Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, in partnership with CIO Africa and JHUB Africa, hosted the Next-Gen Technopreneur Summit at the Sino Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC).
The event brought together students from various universities, innovators, and industry leaders to explore how technology and entrepreneurship can drive youth-led transformation through practical exposure and collaboration.
Held on 13 March 2026 under the theme “From Campus to Unicorns: Tech Meets Hustle,” the summit featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, mentorship sessions, and startup showcases. Participants gained valuable insights from industry experts, exchanged ideas, and built networks to support their growth within Kenya’s evolving digital economy.
Speaking at the event, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. George Thiong’o, emphasized the importance of responsibility and accountability in leadership. He noted that leadership is defined not by titles but by one’s willingness to take initiative and remain accountable, even in challenging situations.
“Leadership is not defined by titles but by the responsibilities one takes on. True leaders step forward, take initiative, and remain accountable even when faced with challenges. Accountability means owning up to mistakes, learning from them, and taking charge to move forward,” said Prof. Thiong’o.
Mr. Michael Michie, CEO and Co-Founder of EverseTech and a JKUAT alumnus, highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the need for AI sovereignty. He emphasized investing in local infrastructure to unlock economic potential and cited applications of AI in sectors such as banking, education, and disaster management.
“You can use AI to teach yourself short courses like Java and Python because knowledge is freely available online. AI should not be seen as a threat to jobs, but as a tool for empowerment, innovation, and growth,” he noted.
Mr. Michie encouraged students to go beyond the classroom by acquiring additional skills and exploring opportunities in commercialization, policy, governance, and responsible innovation.
During the interactive sessions, students underscored the need for more practical, skills-oriented learning and called for the early introduction of technology and innovation in primary and secondary education. Their contributions reflected a growing demand for education systems that better align with real-world applications and the needs of the digital economy.
To further support their development, participants were encouraged to actively seek opportunities that enhance their technical skills, expand professional networks, and provide mentorship. Such engagements are essential in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands, while preparing students to thrive in the digital economy.
